U.S. stock futures are pointing to a slightly higher open today on hopes of progress in the eurozone. Here's what you need to know

Canadian stock index futures pointed to a slightly lower open on Tuesday, tracking a decline in global commodity prices, with the uncertainty surrounding U.S. budget talks hurting investor sentiment.

TOP STORIES

Bank of Montreal’s fourth-quarter profit rose 41%, topping estimates, as a sharp jump in wholesale banking income more than offset a weaker performance from its U.S. lending unit, the bank said.

Canada, hoping to spur economic development of its far north, has approved the construction of a massive iron ore mine in the Arctic territory of Nunavut that could help top steelmaker ArcelorMittal reduce its dependence on outside suppliers.

A think tank with ties to the Obama administration laid out a deficit-reduction proposal, urging the president to go bold and seek more concessions from Republicans on tax hikes.

Canadian Natural Resources said it expects to produce more crude oil and natural gas liquids next year and plans to raise its capital budget by nearly 10%.

Eurozone factory prices barely rose in October, echoing the slowing pace in consumer inflation, although the European Central Bank is expected to wait a little longer before cutting interest rates to help the slumping economy.

EU finance ministers were unable to reach agreement on a new ECB-led system of banking supervision in Europe and agreed to meet on Dec. 12 to continue talks, Cypriot Finance Minister Vassos Shiarly said.

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Canada stock futures traded down 0.1%

U.S. stock futures were up around 0.08% to 0.14%

European shares were up

COMMODITY PRICE MOVES

Thomson Reuters-Jefferies CRB Index : 299.5434; fell 0.38%

Gold futures : $1,703.4; fell 0.94%

US crude : $88.3; fell 0.89%

Brent crude : $109.79; fell 1.02%

LME 3-month copper : $8,033; rose 0.35%

CANADIAN STOCKS TO WATCH

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. : The oil and gas producer said it expects to produce more crude oil and natural gas liquids next year, and plans to raise its capital budget by nearly 10%.

Suncor Energy Inc. : The energy company said on Monday it will spend C$7.3 billion in 2013, up 9% from this year’s reduced amount, with most of the budget directed at expanding its leading oil sands production.

ANALYST RECOMMENDATIONS

Following is a summary of research actions on Canadian companies reported by Reuters.